Hans Holbein painted some of the most familiar faces of the Tudor court. But what did he think of the people sitting for him—and could a portrait reveal more than its subject intended?
I’m joined by bestselling author Wendy Holden to discuss The Queen’s Painter, her historical novel that places Holbein at the center of a plot to avenge Anne Boleyn. We talk about his imagined alliance with Thomas Wyatt, Henry VIII’s search for a fourth wife, and the portraits of Christina of Denmark and Anne of Cleves that helped inspire the story. Wendy also shares her intriguing interpretation of The Ambassadors and explains why she wanted to look beyond Holbein’s genius to the man who had to make his way through a dangerous court.
After this conversation, you may find yourself looking at those familiar Tudor portraits a little differently.
A free article I wrote about it: https://bit.ly/4z3bk2t
Buy The Queen's Painter on Blackwells (free shipping)
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Wendy Holden